Overwhelmed by the number of new space shows on Syfy? Well considering that their most acclaimed show was Battlestar Galactica, it’s not surprising that the network is looking to replicate the same kind of success. Last week The Workprint’s Jen Stayrook reviewed Dark Matter saying it could fill the void that Firefly left in viewers hearts. With Killjoys added to their roster, Syfy is bringing a little bit of badass space comedy into the mix with swashbuckling bounty hunters who do everything from find people, locate items, and take on assassination contracts.
Killjoys’ pilot doesn’t disappoint. The premiere spends its time developing a solid introduction to a universe run by a mega-corporation with a population in the brink of a class war. Our main character is Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), a level five Killjoy (reclamation agent), who works for an independent company called the R.A.C. (Reclamation Apprehension Coalition). The coalition’s mission is simple: always get the job done no matter what. Her partner-in-crime is John Jaqobis (Aaron Ashmore), a level three agent whom she recruited after he tried to steal her spacecraft.
Dutch and John get into serious hot water when the junior agent takes a job that goes awry real fast. Without spoiling too much, the duo get into all sorts of trouble and unexpectedly become targets as well. The pilot offers glances into the backstories of both characters that leaves you wanting more. Dutch is running from a complicated past that unfortunately manages to catch up to her while John has serious unresolved family issues that surfaces in a dangerous ways. Despite that, the two appear to genuinely trust each other though I’m sure as the series progresses that bond will be tested.
It is real pleasure to see such a kick-ass female lead on Syfy and we can thank Michelle Lovretta (Lost Girl) for that. Dutch, being the experienced Killjoy, shows of her fighting skills early in the episode but is also intelligent, sexy, and fiercely loyal. She helps John out because he’s her partner even after his royal screw up. Her character reminds me a bit of Bo from Lost Girl in that both women are strong and soft at the same time. But while Bo tends to use her sensual succubus abilities to neutralize enemies first, there’s no question that Dutch is a real fighter.
The English actress does an admirable job in her portrayal of the senior reclamation agent. Ashmore in the meantime also holds his own as the reckless sidekick with some growing up to do.
While Killjoys packs a lot action and drama into one hour, what really makes this show work is the world building. The universe of The Quad ( the sector where Dutch and John work) jumps from dystopian settings to barren desert landscapes to a wealthy garden party. We also have religious monks, freedom fighters, slavers, assassins, and a talking ship to boot. Dutch and John also meet a few more colorful individuals (including Luke McFarlane’s D’avin) with secrets of their own.
As a new series, Killjoys looks to be promising and at the very least entertaining. If the series can provide enough of a larger story arc amidst the adventure/warrants of the week, I will happily keep coming back.
Watch the trailer now:
Killjoys airs Fridays on Syfy at 9/8 central.
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Images courtesy of Syfy.
